Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a communication interface comprising communication interface circuitry; a memory storing at least one instruction; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction stored in the memory to cause the electronic apparatus to: determine at least one content stream to be pre-fetched; configure a playback pipeline corresponding to the determined at least one content stream considering an available resource of the electronic apparatus; pre-fetch the at least one content stream based on the configured playback pipeline; determine whether to update the pre-fetched at least one content stream based on a type of the pre-fetched at least one content stream; and update the pre-fetched at least one content stream at regular time intervals based on a result of the determining of whether to update.
This invention relates to electronic devices that optimize content streaming by intelligently pre-fetching and updating content streams based on device resources and content type. The problem addressed is inefficient streaming performance, where devices may struggle with buffering, latency, or resource allocation when handling multiple or high-demand content streams. The electronic apparatus includes a communication interface with circuitry for data transmission, a memory storing executable instructions, and a processor. The processor executes instructions to determine which content streams should be pre-fetched, then configures a playback pipeline tailored to the device's available resources (such as bandwidth, processing power, or memory). The content streams are pre-fetched according to this optimized pipeline. The system then evaluates whether the pre-fetched content requires periodic updates based on its type (e.g., live streams vs. static content). If updates are needed, the content is refreshed at regular intervals to maintain quality and relevance. This approach ensures smooth playback while minimizing resource waste. The solution dynamically adapts to both the content characteristics and the device's capabilities, improving streaming efficiency.
2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the at least one instruction to cause the electronic apparatus to determine to update the pre-fetched at least one content stream when a type of the pre-fetched at least one content stream is live content.
This invention relates to electronic apparatuses designed to optimize content streaming, particularly for live content. The apparatus includes a processor and memory storing instructions for managing content streams. The processor executes these instructions to pre-fetch content streams, reducing latency and improving user experience. A key feature is the ability to dynamically update pre-fetched content streams when they are live content. Live content, such as live sports or news broadcasts, requires real-time updates to ensure users receive the latest information without delays. The apparatus monitors the type of pre-fetched content and triggers updates specifically for live streams, ensuring seamless playback. This selective updating mechanism prevents unnecessary processing for non-live content while maintaining efficiency for live streams. The invention addresses the challenge of balancing bandwidth usage and latency in streaming systems, particularly for time-sensitive live content. By intelligently managing pre-fetched streams, the apparatus enhances streaming performance without excessive resource consumption.
3. The electronic apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the at least one instruction to cause the electronic apparatus to determine a type of the pre-fetched at least one content stream based on at least one of: address information of the pre-fetched at least one content stream, meta information included in the pre-fetched at least one content stream, and a content streaming application that requested the pre-fetching.
This invention relates to electronic apparatuses designed to optimize content streaming by pre-fetching and classifying content streams. The problem addressed is the inefficient handling of pre-fetched content, which can lead to unnecessary storage usage or delays in content delivery. The apparatus includes a processor that executes instructions to pre-fetch at least one content stream and determine its type based on address information, meta information within the stream, or the streaming application that requested the pre-fetch. The processor can also analyze the pre-fetched content to identify its type, ensuring proper categorization and management. This classification allows the apparatus to prioritize or discard content based on relevance, reducing storage waste and improving streaming performance. The system may further adjust pre-fetching behavior based on the determined content type, enhancing efficiency in bandwidth and memory usage. The invention aims to streamline content delivery by intelligently managing pre-fetched data, ensuring that only relevant or high-priority content is retained, while low-priority or redundant content is discarded. This approach optimizes resource allocation in streaming applications, improving user experience and system performance.
4. The electronic apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the at least one instruction to cause the electronic apparatus to determine the at least one content stream to be pre-fetched based on at least one of: at least one channel adjacent to a currently selected channel; at least one content item adjacent to a currently focused content item; and at least one content item obtained as a content search result.
This invention relates to electronic apparatuses, such as set-top boxes or smart TVs, that improve content delivery by pre-fetching content streams to reduce latency and enhance user experience. The problem addressed is the delay users experience when switching channels or selecting content, as the system must fetch the new stream from a remote source. The invention solves this by predicting and pre-fetching likely next content streams before the user requests them. The electronic apparatus includes a processor that executes instructions to pre-fetch content streams based on user behavior and context. The pre-fetching is triggered by analyzing at least one of three factors: adjacent channels to the currently selected channel, adjacent content items to the currently focused item, or content items obtained from a search result. For example, if a user is watching a channel, the system may pre-fetch streams from neighboring channels. Similarly, if the user is browsing a list of movies, the system may pre-fetch the next or previous item in the list. Additionally, if the user performs a search, the system may pre-fetch the top search results. By pre-fetching these streams in advance, the apparatus ensures faster access when the user makes a selection, reducing buffering time and improving responsiveness. The invention enhances efficiency by minimizing unnecessary data transfers and optimizing bandwidth usage.
5. The electronic apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the at least one instruction to cause the electronic apparatus to: prioritize the at least one content stream to be pre-fetched; and configure a playback pipeline to which the available resource is assigned, for processing a content stream having a high priority.
This invention relates to electronic apparatuses designed to optimize content streaming by intelligently managing resource allocation and prioritizing content for pre-fetching. The problem addressed is inefficient resource utilization in streaming devices, leading to delays, buffering, or degraded playback quality when multiple content streams compete for limited processing resources. The electronic apparatus includes a processor configured to execute instructions for managing content streams. The processor identifies available resources within the apparatus, such as processing power, memory, or bandwidth, and assigns these resources to a playback pipeline. The playback pipeline processes content streams, particularly those with high priority, ensuring smooth playback. The processor also prioritizes content streams for pre-fetching, meaning it anticipates which streams will be needed soon and loads them in advance to reduce latency. The apparatus may further include a memory for storing instructions and data, a network interface for receiving content streams, and a display for outputting the processed content. The processor dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on real-time conditions, such as network speed or user preferences, to maintain optimal performance. This system ensures that high-priority content is processed efficiently, minimizing disruptions during playback. The invention is particularly useful in devices handling multiple simultaneous streams, such as smart TVs, streaming media players, or set-top boxes.
6. A method of operating an electronic apparatus, the method comprising: determining at least one content stream to be pre-fetched; configuring a playback pipeline corresponding to the determined at least one content stream considering an available resource of the electronic apparatus; pre-fetching the at least one content stream based on the configured playback pipeline; determining whether to update the pre-fetched at least one content stream based on a type of the pre-fetched at least one content stream; and updating the pre-fetched at least one content stream at regular time intervals based on a result of the determining of whether to update the pre-fetched at least one content stream.
This invention relates to optimizing content delivery in electronic devices by intelligently pre-fetching and updating content streams based on device resources and content type. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently managing bandwidth and storage in electronic apparatuses, such as smartphones or tablets, to ensure smooth playback while minimizing resource consumption. The process begins by identifying content streams that should be pre-fetched, such as video, audio, or other media files. A playback pipeline is then configured for the selected streams, taking into account the available resources of the device, including processing power, memory, and network conditions. The content streams are pre-fetched according to this optimized pipeline to ensure efficient delivery. After pre-fetching, the system evaluates whether the content requires periodic updates based on its type. For example, live streams or frequently updated content may need regular refreshes, while static files may not. If updates are necessary, the pre-fetched content is refreshed at scheduled intervals to maintain relevance and quality. This dynamic approach ensures that the device efficiently utilizes resources while providing up-to-date content to the user. The method improves playback performance and reduces latency by proactively managing content delivery based on device capabilities and content characteristics.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the determining of whether to update the pre-fetched at least one content stream comprises determining to update the pre-fetched at least one content stream when a type of the pre-fetched at least one content stream is live content.
This invention relates to content streaming systems, specifically methods for managing pre-fetched content streams to optimize bandwidth and storage usage. The problem addressed is the inefficient handling of pre-fetched content, particularly when dealing with live content streams, which may become outdated or irrelevant if not properly updated. The method involves determining whether to update pre-fetched content streams based on their type. If the pre-fetched content is live content, the system automatically determines that an update is necessary. This ensures that users receive the most current version of live streams, preventing the delivery of outdated or irrelevant data. The method may also involve analyzing other factors, such as user preferences, network conditions, or content relevance, to further refine the decision-making process. By dynamically updating live content streams, the system improves user experience while minimizing unnecessary bandwidth and storage consumption. The approach is particularly useful in environments where real-time data accuracy is critical, such as live sports broadcasts, news feeds, or financial market updates. The invention enhances efficiency in content delivery systems by intelligently managing pre-fetched content based on its dynamic nature.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the determining of whether to update the pre-fetched at least one content stream comprises determining a type of the pre-fetched at least one content stream based on at least one of: address information of the pre-fetched at least one content stream, meta information included in the pre-fetched at least one content stream, and a content streaming application that requested the pre-fetching.
This invention relates to content streaming systems, specifically methods for efficiently managing pre-fetched content streams to optimize bandwidth and storage usage. The problem addressed is the inefficient handling of pre-fetched content, which can lead to unnecessary bandwidth consumption, storage waste, or outdated content being retained. The method involves determining whether to update pre-fetched content streams based on their type. The type of content is identified using one or more of the following: address information of the pre-fetched content, metadata embedded within the content, or the specific streaming application that requested the pre-fetch. For example, a video stream from a live broadcast may be prioritized for updates, while static content like a software update may not require frequent refreshes. This selective updating ensures that only relevant or time-sensitive content is kept current, reducing unnecessary data transfers and storage overhead. The approach improves system efficiency by dynamically adjusting pre-fetching behavior based on content characteristics and application needs.
9. The method of claim 6 , further comprising determining the at least one content stream to be pre-fetched based on at least one of: at least one channel adjacent to a currently selected channel; at least one content item adjacent to a currently focused content item; and at least one content item obtained as a content search result.
This invention relates to content streaming systems, specifically improving pre-fetching efficiency to reduce latency and buffering during user navigation. The problem addressed is the delay experienced when users switch between channels, content items, or search results, as traditional systems often fail to anticipate and pre-load relevant content in advance. The method involves dynamically determining which content streams to pre-fetch based on user behavior and context. It analyzes at least one of three factors: adjacent channels to the currently selected channel, adjacent content items to the currently focused item, or content items retrieved from a search query. By predicting likely next selections, the system pre-fetches these streams in advance, ensuring smoother transitions. The pre-fetching logic may prioritize content based on historical usage patterns, user preferences, or metadata similarities between items. This approach minimizes buffering time and enhances the streaming experience by proactively loading content that the user is statistically likely to access next. The system may also adjust pre-fetching dynamically as the user interacts with the interface, continuously refining predictions based on real-time behavior. This method is particularly useful in live TV, on-demand streaming, or interactive media platforms where seamless navigation is critical.
10. The method of claim 6 , further comprising: prioritizing the at least one content stream to be pre-fetched; and configuring a playback pipeline to which the available resource is assigned, for processing a content stream having a high priority.
A method for optimizing content delivery in a streaming system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing limited resources to ensure smooth playback of high-priority content. The method involves prioritizing at least one content stream for pre-fetching, which means selecting which content should be downloaded or buffered in advance to reduce latency and improve user experience. Additionally, the method configures a playback pipeline to process content streams with high priority, ensuring that the available system resources (such as bandwidth, processing power, or memory) are allocated to the most critical streams. This prioritization and resource allocation help maintain uninterrupted playback, especially in scenarios where multiple streams compete for limited resources. The method may also include determining the availability of resources, such as network bandwidth or processing capacity, and dynamically adjusting the prioritization and pipeline configuration based on real-time conditions. By intelligently managing resource allocation, the system ensures that high-priority content is delivered efficiently while minimizing disruptions for lower-priority streams. This approach is particularly useful in environments where multiple users or devices share a limited resource pool, such as in multi-user streaming platforms or edge computing networks.
11. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program which, when executed by a computer, causes an electronic device to perform at least one operation comprising: determining at least one content stream to be pre-fetched; configuring a playback pipeline corresponding to the determined at least one content stream considering an available resource of the electronic apparatus; pre-fetching the at least one content stream based on the configured playback pipeline; determining whether to update the pre-fetched at least one content stream based on a type of the pre-fetched at least one content stream; and updating the pre-fetched at least one content stream at regular time intervals based on a result of the determining of whether to update the pre-fetched at least one content stream.
This invention relates to optimizing content streaming in electronic devices by intelligently pre-fetching and updating content streams based on available resources and stream characteristics. The system determines which content streams should be pre-fetched to improve playback performance. It configures a playback pipeline tailored to the device's available resources, such as processing power, memory, and network bandwidth, to ensure efficient pre-fetching. The content streams are then pre-fetched according to this optimized pipeline. The system further evaluates whether the pre-fetched content should be updated, considering the type of content stream (e.g., live, on-demand, or adaptive bitrate). If updates are necessary, the system refreshes the pre-fetched content at regular intervals to maintain quality and relevance. This approach enhances streaming efficiency by dynamically adapting to device capabilities and content requirements, reducing buffering and improving user experience. The solution is particularly useful for devices with limited resources or fluctuating network conditions.
Unknown
April 7, 2020
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